Lindisfarne – also known as Holy Island – is an atmospheric tidal island and village packed with history, as well as being famous for its wildlife and mead. It is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. King Oswald invited Celtic monks from Iona to spread Christianity in the old Kingdom of Northumbria and St Aidan founded a monastery on Lindisfarne in 635 AD. St Cuthbert joined the monastery sometime in the 670s and went on to become Lindisfarne’s greatest monk-bishop, as well as the most venerated saint in northern England in the Middle Ages. The Lindisfarne Gospels were created here in the early 8th century. The monks left following violent Viking attacks and today’s visible priory ruins (English Heritage) date from the early 12th century.
Next to the old priory is the fascinating parish church of St Mary the Virgin.
On the south east corner of the island is Lindisfarne Castle (National Trust), which began life as a defensive fort in the mid-16th century and was bought by Edward Hudson, the owner of Country Life magazine in 1901, who had it completely refurbished by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a holiday home. Beyond the main attractions are views and walks and places to eat – but beware: Holy Island is only accessible at certain times via a causeway across the sea that is covered twice a day. It is also possible to get there by foot. In any event, the tides come in very quickly.
It is essential to check tide times before travelling!
Photo of the castle via Pixabay.